Denver’s Marijuana and Culinary Tourism See High Growth

Tourism in Denver has grown rapidly over the last five years, reaching over 31 million visitors in 2017. One of the top reasons travelers choose the Mile High City is for marijuana and culinary tourism. Denver Food Tours Founder Lindsay Prime is at the forefront of the growing food community and allows travelers to experience her city like a local.

While Denver’s culinary scene is attracting nationwide and global attention, it’s for more than just food. There are currently over 340 craft breweries in Colorado, 100 of which are in the Metro Denver area, attracting beer enthusiasts from near and far; furthermore, as one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, Denver is leading the way in culinary marijuana.

“One thing all U.S. foodie cities have in common is diversity,” said Prime. “We have a distinct regional flare and our local food culture supports ethical farming, farm-to-table, and artisan-made. But the ethnic diversity of our city influences the local menus for a true one-of-a-kind dining experience.”

Culinary tours have become prevalent worldwide as an immersive way to experience a city and taste the restaurants favored by locals, in part, due to Anthony Bourdain’s popularizing of the culinary industry and experience.

Tourists should schedule their culinary and marijuana tours the first days of their trip so that they can return to the restaurants and dispensaries they enjoyed most.